Book Reviews

New SHS Suggested Readings and References

SHS is proud to introduce a list of more than 400 suggested readings and references. This list has been developed by Charlie Protzman, Managing Member of the Business Improvement Group LLC over the course of his career. He shares it voluntarily for the SHS membership, and we thank him for this invaluable contribution.

The list can be downloaded via this link. It is sorted alphabetically by title within categories. Naturally, SHS envisions the list growing over time, with input from the entire SHS membership. Please submit your thoughts, reviews, or any additions to Ron McDade. Enjoy!

Creating a Lean CultureA value stream manager for a Tier 1 automobile parts supplier recently declared that the biggest obstacle to sustaining lean is the lack of manager discipline. As examples he pointed to the day-to-day variation in the schedule of a typical manager. “They don’t even come to work at the same time each day.” He also pointed out that many managers spend less than 5 percent of their time where value is being added. And then rhetorically he asked, “Why are those work instructions and standard operating procedures not being followed? It’s because managers fail to follow up!” Most would agree that leader discipline is necessary for stable operations and to promote an environment of continuous improvement. So then what are the things a manager needs to do to be disciplined? David Mann attempts to answer this question in his 2006 Shingo Prize winning book. Read more

Lean Thinking, Banish Waste and Create Wealth in your Corporation
"Lean Thinking" offers a primer of lean concepts based on the Toyota production model. Read more

Learning to See
"Learning to See" is a manual for value stream mapping-a beginning step for becoming lean. When I first heard of mapping with regards to lean, I thought of flowcharting. Although value stream mapping, like flowcharting, is a communication tool, there are many differences. Read more

Implementing Six Sigma
There are many books talking about Six Sigma management theories, but few that explain how to perform the statistical tests and other techniques."Implementing Six Sigma" is a reference text for the tools used in Six Sigma projects. Read more

Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change"Managing Transitions" provides potential change agents with practical tools and a framework to help them guide their organization through the uncertain journey of change. Read more

Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems"Polarity Management" is a detailed explanation of how to change from win-lose thinking to win-win thinking. When you find yourself cycling from one solution for a few years, to another solution for a few years, but then back again to the first solution, this book can help you break that cycle. Read more

Primal Leadership"Primal Leadership" is a good resource for learning how to lead others through change. It complements "Managing Transition" and other books on how people go through change and complexity science literature focusing on characteristics of an environment ready for change. "Primal Leadership" identifies the skills needed by formal and informal leaders to lead others in changing their behavior. Read more

Stop Rising Healthcare Costs Using Toyota Lean Production Methods – 38 Steps to Improvement
The author uses the opening portion of this book "U.S. Healthcare System Problems and Solutions,” to set the stage for discussion of the 38 Steps which are described in Part II. Most readers of this book will recognize the importance of controlling healthcare costs and may be tempted to skip directly to Part II. Read more